Nava’s Advice for Optimum Heart Health
February is Heart Health Month — a time to consider how your lifestyle is affecting the most important muscle in your body, and a great time to check in on any New Year’s Resolutions. So, are you ready to learn How to Prevent Heart Disease? Since heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, we’ve identified the three most significant factors in keeping your heart in tip-top shape:
If you have high blood pressure, lowering it as soon as possible will lower your risk of heart disease. High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most prominent risk factors for heart disease, so make sure you and your loved ones stay on top of your blood pressure readings. Millions of Americans live with high blood pressure without even knowing it. If you do suffer from high blood pressure, make sure you regularly talk with your doctor, as well as own an at-home blood pressure monitoring tool.
Optimize for low cholesterol levels with a nutrient-rich diet. Heart disease doesn’t happen over night, but rather from a combination of genetics and lifelong health choices. High levels of LDL cholesterol increase your risk for a heart attack from a sudden blood clot. Avoiding high-fat foods such as red meat and fried foods can contribute to a lower LDL level, but it may not be enough.
Some contributing factors to heart disease are genetic, which is why we recommend identifying your genetic risk factors early on. While most primary care doctors and cardiologists look at a four-point panel when testing, Nava’s comprehensive risk profile (CRP) uses a 60-point panel, which includes factors such as inflammation, oxidation, size and quality of cholesterol, blood sugar, and genetic risk factors to determine overall cardiovascular health.
Interested in discovering your comprehensive risk factors? Make an appointment with a Nava practitioner today to begin the journey of a long-term heart health strategy.
According to the CDC, each minute, someone in the U.S. dies from a heart disease-related event. Ensure you and your loved ones are making good diet and exercise choices, as well as delving further, and identifying your risks. Now you know How to Prevent Heart Disease.